Supplements for bruising
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Supplements for Bruising: An Overview
Introduction to Bruising and Supplements
Bruising, or ecchymosis, occurs when blood vessels break and leak blood into the surrounding tissues, often due to trauma or certain medical conditions. Various dietary supplements are believed to influence bruising and coagulation, either by promoting faster healing or by potentially increasing the risk of bruising. This article synthesizes current research on the effectiveness and risks of different supplements related to bruising.
Vitamin C and Bruising
Importance of Vitamin C in Tissue Repair
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which is crucial for the repair and maintenance of blood vessels. Deficiency in vitamin C can lead to symptoms such as easy bruising, bleeding gums, and petechiae. Studies have shown that increasing vitamin C intake can significantly improve these symptoms. For instance, a case study highlighted a 33-year-old female with a long history of easy bruising who saw complete resolution of her symptoms after a month of vitamin C supplementation4. Another report described a 56-year-old man with extensive bruising that improved rapidly with vitamin C supplementation, confirming the diagnosis of scurvy8.
Proteolytic Enzymes and Wound Healing
Role of Proteolytic Enzymes
Proteolytic enzymes, such as those found in the supplement InflammEnz, have been shown to moderate the inflammatory cycle and accelerate wound healing. A clinical trial involving healthy adults demonstrated that oral supplementation with these enzymes significantly reduced wound healing time and inflammation, suggesting potential benefits for reducing bruising2.
Arnica and Bromelain
Efficacy of Arnica and Bromelain
Arnica and bromelain are commonly used in perioperative settings to reduce bruising and swelling. A study comparing standard ERAS protocols with an updated regimen including these supplements found that patients using the nutraceutical regimen reported less post-operative drainage, reduced pain, and a trend towards decreased bruising3. However, another randomized trial found no significant difference in bruising or pain reduction between arnica and placebo in patients undergoing hand surgery, indicating mixed results6.
Fish Oil and Increased Bruising Risk
Interaction with Medications
Fish oil supplements, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, can also increase the risk of bruising, especially when combined with certain medications. A case report described a migraine patient who experienced extreme bruising while taking fish oil supplements alongside erenumab, a CGRP receptor antibody. The bruising subsided after discontinuing the fish oil, highlighting the need for caution when combining supplements with medications that may affect coagulation5.
Herbal Supplements and Elderly Patients
Common Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements such as gingko biloba and garlic are popular among elderly patients but can interact with anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding. A systematic review emphasized the importance of healthcare providers discussing herbal supplement use with their patients to avoid potential adverse effects7.
Vitamin K and Bruising
Topical Application of Vitamin K
Topical vitamin K has been studied for its potential to reduce bruising after cosmetic procedures. A controlled study found that while pre-treatment with vitamin K did not prevent bruising, post-treatment application significantly reduced the severity of bruising, particularly in the initial days following laser treatment10.
Conclusion
In summary, various supplements can influence bruising and wound healing, with vitamin C and proteolytic enzymes showing promising results in reducing bruising and accelerating healing. However, the efficacy of arnica and bromelain remains inconclusive, and caution is advised when using fish oil and certain herbal supplements due to potential interactions with medications. Topical vitamin K may also be beneficial in reducing bruising severity post-procedure. Healthcare providers should carefully consider these factors when advising patients on supplement use for bruising.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Dietary supplements: altered coagulation and effects on bruising.
Many dietary supplements alter coagulation and may reduce postoperative bruising, so surgeons should be aware of their patients' use and obtain this information prior to extensive surgical procedures.
Systematic ReviewOral Nutritional Supplementation Accelerates Skin Wound Healing: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Arm, Crossover Study
InflammEnz oral supplementation significantly accelerates soft-tissue wound healing in 77% of normal, healthy subjects, suggesting potential benefits for patients with minor soft-tissue wounds.
RCTEnhanced Recovery after Abdominoplasty Using Perisurgical Nutritional Supplementation
Perioperative supplementation with nitric oxide precursors, antioxidants, and proteolytic enzymes can positively affect post-operative outcomes and reduce narcotic use and post-operative drainage.
RCT
Large Human TrialA Case Of Vitamin C Deficiency Manifesting With Easy Bruising: Suggestion For a Supplementation Protocol
Vitamin C deficiency can cause easy bruising in adults, and a supplementation regimen can improve clinical symptoms and normalize laboratory values.
Case ReportExtreme ecchymoses in a migraine patient using concomitant treatment with calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antibodies and fish oil supplements: a case report
Erenumab treatment for migraines may increase the tendency to bruise, especially when combined with fish oil supplements.
Case Report
Very Rigorous JournalHomeopathic arnica for prevention of pain and bruising: randomized placebo-controlled trial in hand surgery.
Homeopathic arnica does not show an advantage over placebo in reducing postoperative pain, bruising, and swelling in patients undergoing elective hand surgery.
RCT
Highly CitedUse of herbal medicines by elderly patients: A systematic review.
Elderly patients commonly use herbal supplements, but lack communication with medical professionals about their use, potentially causing bruising or bleeding issues.
Systematic ReviewExtensive bruising secondary to vitamin C deficiency
Oral vitamin C supplementation rapidly improved extensive bruising in a 56-year-old man with scurvy due to a severely restricted diet.
Case ReportA guide to perioperative nutrition.
Nutritional supplementation before and after cosmetic surgery can significantly improve outcomes by reducing bruising, swelling, and inflammation, promoting wound healing, and enhancing immunity.
The effects of topical vitamin K on bruising after laser treatment.
Topical vitamin K cream after laser treatment reduced the severity of bruising compared to placebo, but pretreatment with vitamin K did not prevent bruising.
RCT